Plaque attachable helmet member trophy apparatus

ABSTRACT

A plaque attachable helmet member trophy apparatus includes a helmet member formed to resemble a major portion of a helmet worn in active duty by a serviceperson. The helmet member is formed with a planar side surface vertically disposed along an axis angularly oriented relative a major longitudinal axis of the helmet member whereby a front portion of the helmet member is maintained in prominent display when the planar side surface is secured in flush contact with a planar top surface of an associated support member. A plurality of badge elements is attachable to the front portion of the helmet member and, alternately, to each of a plurality of display positions upon the support member, whereby a service history is displayable particular to a serviceperson to whom the apparatus is presented.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This nonprovisional application claims the benefit of provisional application No. 62/166,291 filed on May 26, 2015

FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT

Not Applicable

INCORPORATION BY REFERENCE OF MATERIAL SUBMITTED ON A COMPACT DISK

Not Applicable

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Trophies and awards are common to many professions, but perhaps none are more deserved than those awarded to servicepersons who risk their lives in the line of public service. Such professions typically require use of protective headwear, such as helmets employed in firefighting, policing, in military operations, and other such activities that may prudently require protective headwear. As such, many of these professions have become symbolized by the particular headwear peculiar to their servicepersons.

Resultantly, such helmets and headwear are recognizably symbolic of particular service professions, service bodies, ranks, or other such designations whereby a serviceperson is visibly demarked and identifiable by virtue of the helmet said serviceperson wears—in shape, color, and a variety of badge elements used to host insignia and other demarcations significant of office, position, profession, and mission, for example.

Awarding helmets, then, to specific worthy personnel has become a practice desirous among servicepersons. Typically a helmet is cut along an axis and then mounted to some plaque or other surface, and then awarded to the appropriate serviceperson. The problem is such headwear is devised to be hard, obdurate, and to resist rupture, whereby the act of cutting is time-consuming, labor intensive, and typically inaccurate at best. The result is often a rough-cut edge that offers a small surface area to effect appropriate attachment to any surface. Moreover the internal elements common to helmets actually worn in the line of duty (such as, for example, straps, securement members, and suspension systems) must typically be removed, or dangle inelegantly from the supposed finished product. Further, the award to which the truncated helmet is to be mounted must be sized appropriately to accommodate a life-sized helmet. The result is a less than perfect representation of an award that, by virtue of its intended function, should better be effected with a congruent and particular aesthetic appropriate for display and pride of place by a serviceperson.

The present invention obviates these problems by providing for a formed helmet member having a planar side surface that enables flush attachment to a planar top surface of a support member whereby an award may be assembled appropriately in representation of an actual helmet worn by a serviceperson with a congruent design and aesthetic that appropriately displays rank and position, or other accomplishments of a serviceperson, with a flush, clean appearance mountable to a wall as a single-piece unit.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a plaque attachable helmet member trophy apparatus that includes a helmet member formed specifically for flush attachment to a planar top surface of a support member. The helmet member is devised to resemble a real helmet worn in active duty of any particular serviceperson for whom such a helmet is typical. The helmet member is formed of polymer and injection molded to include a planar side surface that is vertically disposed along an axis angularly disposed relative a major longitudinal axis of the helmet member. The helmet member is thus truncated along said axis and attachable in flush contact with a planar top surface of a support member. The helmet member, therefore, is securable to the support member in flush contact therewith to present a neat appearance when viewed.

Additionally, the present helmet member includes a front portion whereon is attachable a badge element significant of the profession or position of the serviceperson to whom the award is to be presented. The helmet member is thus securable to the support member to position the badge element in prominent display. Additional badge elements are contemplated as attachable to the planar top surface of the support member, as may be desired, significant of previous positions held by the serviceperson, completion of various missions or operations, for example, or of other particulars readily symbolized by a succession of said badge elements.

An inscription plate is included for appropriate dedication of the award to the particular serviceperson for whom the award is prepared.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The general purpose of the plaque attachable helmet member trophy apparatus, described subsequently in greater detail, is to provide an award significant of honorable service of a serviceperson in semblance of the headwear worn by said serviceperson during the line of duty.

As used herein throughout, the term “serviceperson” is taken to include all such persons who regularly wear protective headwear in the line of duty, such as, for example, firemen, policemen, first responders, military personnel (including the coast guard), construction workers, and any other people whose professions require use of protective headwear in the line of duty.

Such servicepersons are often identified by uniquely shaped helmets or headwear, which helmets are further devised to be recognizable by profession and may designate position, rank, affiliation, or other such particulars visually cued by shape, color, and any badge elements as may be displayed upon the helmet, within each said profession. The helmets worn by servicepersons, then, are readily taken as symbolic of the profession itself and are indicative of service performed in the line of duty.

What is needed, then, is a means of presenting a serviceperson with an award that readily embodies this symbolism of duty and incorporates a helmet member in flush attachment to a plaque or other flat display surface. Presently it is not uncommon for servicepersons, who have an attachment to their helmets worn in the line of duty, to cut a helmet with a blade or saw, and then attempt to fit the truncated helmet mounted to a plaque; but such action is wanting—such helmets are devised to withstand force and rupture, and therefore are cut inexactly and sometimes crack and split during truncation. Additionally, once a cut is effected appropriately, the edge revealed must be planed or sanded to a flush finish. Difficulty in effecting securement of this edge (which is relatively thin) to a flat surface requires additional elements be somehow connected to the helmet, which may actually change the appearance of the helmet proper, and the interior parts of the helmet (such as straps and the suspension systems) must be removed or dangle unattractively from the finished product. The result is a damaged helmet (that may have sentimental value in and of itself) and an imperfect method of creating attachment as an award.

The present invention overcomes these and other issues, and provides several advantages by enabling a formed helmet member that is injection molded to include a planar side surface that is disposed for flush attachment of the helmet member to a flat surface and thereby position the helmet member securable to a flat surface with a front portion in prominent display. Moreover, helmet members smaller than life-size helmets may be used, as desired. Thus an award is creatable specific to a particular serviceperson that incorporates the symbolism of duty said serviceperson is accustomed to recognize.

The present plaque attachable helmet member trophy apparatus, therefore, includes a helmet portion rendered with a planar side surface for flush attachment to a planar top surface of an accompanying support member. The support member is contemplated to be a hardwood plaque or another display surface to which the present helmet member is securable, including for example frames, walls, boards, and other flat surfaces or objects having a flat surface suitable for such attachment and display.

The helmet portion includes a domic portion, disposed in semblance of a majority portion of a helmet worn by a serviceperson and peculiar to a particular service profession wherein such a helmet is readily identifiable as worn in the line of duty. A rim is disposed bounding a lowermost extremity of the domic portion and an acme is disposed apically bounding an uppermost extremity of the domic portion. A front portion is disposed anteriorly upon the helmet portion between the rim and the acme. The planar side surface is vertically disposed along an oblique axis relative the major longitudinal axis of the helmet. All helmets are domic, ovoid structures, formed to accommodate the head of a wearer, and therefore include a major longitudinal axis.

The planar side surface is disposed along an axis angularly relative the major longitudinal axis and effectively truncates the helmet for flush attachment to any flat surface, or preferably the planar top surface of the support member. A planar base surface encloses the helmet member horizontally disposed proximal the rim.

A plurality of badge elements is included, each of the plurality of badge elements disposed attachable to the front portion of the helmet member in a position in semblance of the appropriate position of such a badge element actually worn on a helmet used in the line of duty. Such badge elements include designs, insignia, and other motifs whereby the wearer is readily identifiable as a serviceperson of a particular profession, body, rank, or as a participant in a particular mission, for example. Thus an appropriate one of the plurality of badge elements is attachable to the front portion of the helmet member significant of the profession, body, position, rank, or particular mission or operation appropriate to a particular serviceperson.

An inscription plate is included attachable to the planar top surface of the support member in proximity to the helmet member whereon an appropriate dedication is inscribable to personalize the plaque attachable helmet member trophy apparatus for award, as desired. A plurality of display positions may be included upon the planar top surface of the support member whereat each of the plurality of badge elements is displayable. Thus a series of badge elements indicative of attainment of particular ranks, for example, or for various missions completed, say, may be displayed whereby the service history of a serviceperson is mountable for display.

The present plaque attachable helmet member trophy apparatus in contemplated to be modular and assembled according to the dictates of a unique award desirously presented to a particular serviceperson. The helmet member is injection molded of a polymer, such as polycarbonate, to create a faithful likeness and representation of a helmet worn in the line of duty by the particular serviceperson to whom the award is presented. The planar base surface may be attached to the helmet member after molding of the helmet member to enclose the domic portion proximal the rim, and thereby prevent visibility inside the domic portion. The planar base surface may therefore be installed subsequent molding of the helmet member.

Thus has been broadly outlined the more important features of the present plaque attachable helmet member trophy apparatus so that the detailed description thereof that follows may be better understood and in order that the present contribution to the art may be better appreciated.

Objects of the present plaque attachable helmet member trophy apparatus, along with various novel features that characterize the invention are particularly pointed out in the claims forming a part of this disclosure. For better understanding of the plaque attachable helmet member trophy apparatus, its operating advantages and specific objects attained by its uses, refer to the accompanying drawings and description.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS Figures

FIG. 1 is an isometric view of an example embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is an isometric view of an example embodiment of the present invention having each of a plurality of badge elements additionally displayed in each of plurality of display positions upon a support member.

FIG. 3 is an isometric view of an example embodiment of the present invention disposed facing a front portion of a helmet member attached to a planar top surface of a support member.

FIG. 4 is an isometric rear view of an example embodiment of a helmet member illustrating a planar side surface disposed for flush contact with a planar top surface of a support member.

FIG. 5 is an isometric lower-side view of an example embodiment of the helmet member illustrating the planar side surface and a planar base surface.

FIG. 6 is an exploded view of an example embodiment of the helmet member, the support member, an inscription plate, and a plurality of badge elements.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

With reference now to the drawings, and in particular FIGS. 1 through 6 thereof, example of the instant plaque attachable helmet member trophy apparatus employing the principles and concepts of the present plaque attachable helmet member trophy apparatus and generally designated by the reference number 10 will be described.

Referring to FIGS. 1 through 6 example embodiments of the present plaque attachable helmet member trophy apparatus 10 are illustrated.

The present plaque attachable helmet member trophy apparatus 10 has been devised to enable presentation of an award appropriate to a particular serviceperson regularly demarked by a particular helmet worn in the line of duty. The present plaque attachable helmet member trophy apparatus 10, therefore, includes a helmet member 20 formed to a resemble a particular helmet worn by a serviceperson during said serviceperson's active service. While the helmet members 20 illustrated herein are resemble helmets worn by firefighters, any one of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that any particular helmet is contemplated by this disclosure, such as military helmets and headwear, construction hardhats, police helmets, and other such protective headwear as may be desirously incorporated into an award for a particular serviceperson whose duties and activities may readily be symbolized by such headwear.

The helmet member 20, then, is formed specifically for flush attachment to a planar top surface 42 of a support member 40, and includes a planar side surface 22 disposed along a vertical plane that truncates the helmet member 20 along an axis AC angularly situated relative a major longitudinal axis AB of the helmet member 20 (see FIG. 6), whereby said helmet member 20 is securable in flush contact with the top surface 42 of the support member 40 and therefore appears to emerge from the top surface 42 to present a front portion 30 for view.

The plaque attachable helmet member trophy apparatus 10, therefore, includes a formed helmet member 20 having a domic portion 24 formed to resemble a majority portion of a helmet worn in the line of duty. The domic portion 24 includes a rim 26 disposed bounding a lowermost extremity of the domic portion 24 and an acme 28 disposed bounding an uppermost extremity of said domic portion 24. A front portion 30 is disposed anteriorly upon the domic portion 24 between the rim 26 and the acme 28, said front portion 30 disposed for display of a badge element 70, as is typically seen on service helmets worn in active duty, as will be described subsequently.

The helmet member 20 includes a planar side surface 22 disposed occupying a vertical plane that truncates the domic portion 24 along an axis obliquely situated relative a major longitudinal axis of the domic portion 24. The planar side surface 22 thus presents a flush vertical surface for attachment of the helmet member 20 to any flat surface in a position to orient the domic portion 24 outfacing so that the front portion 30 (and any badge element 70 there attached) is disposed in prominent display.

While the planar side surface 22 herein exemplified in the accompanying drawings is disposed acutely relative the major longitudinal axis AB of the particular helmet member 20 herein contemplated, it should be noted that the helmet member 20 may be formed with the planar side surface 22 disposed obtusely relative the major longitudinal axis AB and, in some embodiments where relevant, actually normal the major longitudinal axis AB whereby the front portion 30 is disposed directly overtop the flat surface to which the helmet member 20 is attached. The current situation of the planar side surface 22 is contemplated in order to display the shape of the helmet member 20, which shape is often indicative of a particular profession of serviceperson, while simultaneously presenting the front portion 30 in prominence to a viewer standing directly in front of the plaque attachable helmet member apparatus 10 (see for example FIGS. 1 and 2).

The helmet member 20 further includes a planar base surface 32 disposed occupying a horizontal plane normal the planar side surface 22, said base surface 32 disposed enclosing the domic portion 24 proximal the rim 26 of said domic portion 24. The interior of the helmet member 20 is thus enclosed and no straps, supports, suspension system, or other elements typical of actual service helmets worn in the line of duty are visible.

A support member 40 having a planar top surface 42 is included to which the helmet member 20 is attachable. The support member 40 is contemplated to be rendered of a hardwood, or other ornamental display surface presentable with an appropriate aesthetic for display, as desired. An inscription plate 44 is attachable upon the planar top surface 42 of the support member 40 in position proximal the helmet member 20, whereon an appropriate inscription or dedication is inscribable to personalize the present plaque attachable helmet member trophy apparatus 10 appropriate to a particular person or serviceperson to whom said trophy apparatus 10 is to be presented.

A plurality of badge elements 70 is included as are typical of such worn on helmets of servicepersons during active duty to designate rank, profession, missions accomplished, or any other such designations as may be significant of a particular profession, group, body, mission or assignation to which the wearer may belong. Each of the plurality of badge elements 70 is attachable to the front portion 30 of the domic portion 24 of the helmet member 20 and, alternately, attachable to the planar top surface 42 of the support member 40 in each of a plurality of display positions 46. A particular rank attained, for example, and history of rank, ascendance, completed missions, or conducted operations, for example, is therefore displayable in conjunction with the badge element 70 attached to the helmet member 20 front portion 30, whereby a professional, work-related, or mission history is displayable in conjunction with the particular helmet member 20.

The planar side surface 22 of the helmet member 20 therefore attaches flush to the planar top surface 42 of the support member 40 and disposes the helmet member 20 in a position to saliently display the front portion 30 and any badge element 70 there attached. The top surface 42 of the support member 40 is further usable to signify a particular award presentable to a particular person, personalized by relevant and appropriate inscription upon the inscription plate 44, and indicative of a helmet worn, missions accomplished, or rank attained, by said person to whom the plaque attachable helmet member trophy apparatus 10 is subsequently awarded in honor of service rendered. 

What is claimed is:
 1. A plaque attachable helmet member trophy apparatus comprising a formed helmet member having: a domic portion formed to resemble a major portion of a helmet; an arcuate rim disposed bounding a lowermost extremity of the domic portion; an acme disposed apically bounding an uppermost extremity of the domic portion; a front portion disposed anteriorly upon the domic portion between the rim and the acme; and a planar side surface disposed truncating the helmet member vertically along an axis angularly disposed relative a major longitudinal axis of the helmet member; wherein the helmet member is attachable to a flat surface by securement of the planar side surface to a flat surface, said mounted helmet member thereby significant of the service of a particular serviceperson to whom the plaque attachable helmet member trophy apparatus is awarded.
 2. The plaque attachable helmet member trophy apparatus of claim 1 further comprising at least one badge element attachable to the front portion of the helmet member, said at least one badge element bearing insignia indicative of a service profession, body, rank, mission, or other designation appropriate to a particular person to whom the plaque attachable helmet member trophy apparatus is awarded.
 3. The plaque attachable helmet member trophy apparatus of claim 2 further comprising a support member having a planar top surface to which the helmet member is attachable by flush contact effective between said planar top surface and the planar side surface of the helmet member, whereby the helmet member is securable in position in semblance of emerging from the planar top surface and oriented such that the front portion is maintained in prominent display.
 4. The plaque attachable helmet member trophy apparatus of claim 3 further comprising and inscription plate attachable to the planar top surface in proximity to the helmet member whereby the plaque attachable helmet member trophy apparatus may be personalized by appropriate inscription dedicating the plaque attachable helmet member trophy apparatus to a particular serviceperson.
 5. The plaque attachable helmet member trophy apparatus of claim 4 further comprising a plurality of attachable badge elements securable in each of a plurality of display positions disposed upon the planar top surface of the support member in proximity to the helmet member.
 6. The plaque attachable helmet member trophy apparatus of claim 5 wherein the planar side surface is disposed along an axis obliquely oriented relative the major longitudinal axis of the helmet member.
 7. The plaque attachable helmet member trophy apparatus of claim 5 wherein the helmet member further comprises a planar base surface horizontally disposed enclosing the helmet member proximal the helmet member rim.
 8. The plaque attachable helmet member trophy apparatus of claim 7 wherein the planar base surface is additional to the helmet member and securable to enclose the helmet member proximal the helmet member rim.
 9. A plaque attachable helmet member trophy apparatus comprising: a formed helmet member, said helmet member comprising: a domic portion formed to resemble a portion of a helmet, said domic portion including: a rim disposed bounding a lowermost extremity of the domic portion; an acme disposed bounding an uppermost extremity of the domic portion; a front portion disposed anteriorly upon the domic portion between the rim and the acme; a planar side surface disposed occupying a vertical plane disposed truncating the domic portion along an axis angularly situated relative a major longitudinal axis of the domic portion; a planar base surface disposed occupying a horizontal plane normal the planar side surface, said base surface disposed enclosing the domic portion proximal the rim of said domic portion; a support member having a planar top surface; an inscription plate disposed upon the planar top surface of the support member; and a plurality of badge elements, each of said plurality of badge elements attachable to the front portion of the domic portion of the helmet member and alternately attachable to the planar top surface of the support member in each of a plurality of display positions; wherein the planar side surface of the helmet member is attachable flush to the planar top surface of the support member in a position to saliently display the front portion and each of the plurality of badge elements is attachable to the front portion of the helmet member and to the top surface of the support member to signify a particular award presentable to a particular person and indicative of a helmet worn, missions accomplished, and rank attained by said person to whom the plaque attachable helmet member trophy apparatus is awarded. 